Translation guide
To become visibly angry, agitated, or lose composure in a situation. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for losing one's temper or calm.
Expressing that someone suddenly becomes angry or loses control of their emotions.
A very common casual verb meaning to snap, lose one's temper, or flip out. Often used for sudden anger.
He lost his cool over a little thing.
Literally 'to explode with anger'. A more descriptive phrase for losing one's temper.
He finally lost his cool and exploded with anger.
An idiom meaning 'to get angry' or 'to be pissed off'. Often used when something gets on your nerves.
His attitude really makes me lose my cool.
To flare up or become hot-headed in an instant. Describes a quick, impulsive anger.
He has a personality that loses his cool easily.
Expressing that someone becomes visibly upset, panicked, or loses their calm demeanor.
Literally 'to lose calmness'. A standard, neutral way to say someone lost their cool or composure.
He lost his cool at that question.
To panic, get flustered, or lose one's head. Often used when someone is in a hurry or surprised.
To be shaken, agitated, or disturbed emotionally. Often used when someone's calm is broken by shocking news.
To lose one's composure and become visibly upset, often with crying or shouting. Stronger than just being flustered.
Very casual or slangy ways to say someone lost control, often with a nuance of going wild or crazy.
キレる is casual and implies a sudden, often angry outburst. 冷静さを失う is more formal and can refer to any loss of composure, not necessarily anger.
He lost his cool and banged the desk.
He lost his cool and his voice trembled.
Do not translate 'cool' literally as 涼しい (suzushii) or クール (kuuru). These refer to temperature or a stylish attitude, not emotional control.
突然の来客に慌ててしまった。
I lost my cool when the unexpected guest arrived.
She lost her cool upon hearing the news.
He completely lost his cool on the spot.
The suspect lost his cool and brandished a knife.